DC Global Talent Inc.’s Post

My First Culinary Experience: Lessons That Shaped My Journey I still remember the excitement when I got the call the from the executive chef at Riccarton Racecourse Jockeys Club, offering me my first job as a commis chef around 15 years ago. It felt like the perfect starting point, and I was eager to learn and grow in such a dynamic environment. One of the best parts of the job was meeting chefs from all over the world, each bringing their own flair and experience. We worked across 5 kitchens, and every day was an adventure. We’d hop into the van, shuttling from kitchen to kitchen, cracking jokes along the way. I’ll never forget the time someone spilled a whole pot of pumpkin soup in the van—it was a messy moment, but we all had a good laugh! A standout moment? Serving the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key. The pressure was high, but so was the pride in delivering a top-tier dining experience. Then came Cup Week—the busiest time of the year. With almost 80 chefs working side by side, it was full-on, but it also taught me the value of collaboration and staying cool under pressure. That week was a whirlwind, but it’s one of those experiences you never forget. The lessons I learned at Riccarton carried over into my next role as a Chef de Partie, teaching me to adapt quickly, work under pressure, and thrive in a team environment—skills that were instrumental in my culinary career. Now, in my corporate role, I find those early experiences still guide me. Clear communication, team management, and staying solution-focused in fast-paced situations have become even more essential. Whether in the kitchen or the corporate world, the fundamentals of teamwork and resilience are key. #CulinaryJourney #FirstJobMemories #Teamwork #SkillsForLife #CareerGrowth #CorporateLife #PrimeMinisterExperience

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In the kitchen, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and improve. Reflect on the challenges you've faced and how they've contributed to your evolution as a Chef. 💪🍽️ #CulinaryChallenges #SelfImprovement

Make sure the meal flows smoothly from start to finish. Save this post for later to remember this tip. Serious about taking the Master Chef Exam? Complete this form: https://lnkd.in/efKimnhF #americanmasterchefsorder #amco #masterchef #professionalchefs #chefs #mastery

A chef in a restaurant knows as much about dealing with pressure as most air traffic controllers. Resiliency Hard work Teamwork Multitasking Organization Strategic planning The role of a chef is not for the faint of heart. But the truth is, it teaches people incredible life and business skills. Who's with me❓ 👊 #restaurants #business #skills #life #chef

At the Master Chef exam, cook consommé for at least 2-3 hours. Save this post for later to remember this tip. Serious about taking the Master Chef Exam? Complete this form: https://lnkd.in/efKimnhF #americanmasterchefsorder #amco #masterchef #professionalchefs #chefs #mastery

Wow! Being a chef is tough enough as it is. Being blind in the 3rd most populous city in America, Houston TX, is already tough enough as it is. I can't imagine being an accomplished chef in a large competitive city like Houston. But to be a blind chef AND win Gordon Ramsey's Master Chef competition - that's just amazing. No special favors, no excuses... you can even hear it from her in this video, "I'm sorry. I have no excuse. I did my best..." This attitude is what won everyone over. I see people come into work all the time, with special needs. Some are physical needs, and some are personal needs. The difference is that some come in demanding that everyone cater to their needs, and then end up quitting before too long; while some work their asses off, making huge production rates, to which the company will say to the individual, "Whatever accommodations you need, I will gladly provide them, because I see the value that you give to our company, and we don't want to lose you." What value do you offer to the people you interact with? Your friends, your coworkers, your employers, your team, your family... Do you make everything about you, and how they can meet your needs? Or do you make everything about them, and what you can do to meet their needs? https://lnkd.in/gT2JHGzn